Movie-Watching On The Road With Flex View

When I go abroad, I always try to make sure I have a few movies and TV shows stored on my PC and smartphone; you never know how long you are going to be stuck at an airport or what type of TV service the local hotel may have. The problem has always been getting my hands on the latest releases and making sure the content is available whenever and wherever I need it. (How many people have ‘bought’ a movie for the airplane, only to find that you need an Internet connection to stream it?)

So on a recent trip to Europe, I decided to turn to the Flex View service from Verizon FiOS, which was something I had been meaning to check out for a while. Here’s what I found out: Not only does Flex View have the latest movies weeks ahead of the competition, but it’s without question the most flexible  download and rental service that you could wish for.

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The Samsung Galaxy Camera – Simplicity Meets Style

There are some gadgets that are so stylish and leading-edge that people will literally accost strangers in the street in an effort to take a closer look. The original iPhone was one; the MacBook Air was another; and even the $130 Flip Video camcorder was a showstopper when it first made its debut back in 2006. Those three iconic gadgets and others like them have now been joined by another scene-stealer – the Samsung Galaxy Camera.

Virtually every time I use the Galaxy Camera to take a quick photo or shoot some video, I am interrupted by gadget geeks young and old clamoring for a better look at this remarkable device. Whether it’s the Samsung name, the attractive styling, or the device’s unique functionality, everyone appears to be enthralled by this latest addition to the increasingly popular Galaxy family.

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10 Styling Apps for the Mobile Fashionista

We rely on our mobile devices for everything from the latest news and weather to e-mail and social media updates, but did you know that your smartphone or tablet can also give you fashion and styling advice? Inspired by Pinterest and other pinboard platforms, a new generation of apps is offering a non-stop diet of the latest looks and trends, complete with customization tools to create a style that you can make your own.

With links to designer brands and retail stores, and a host of sharing options for friends and family, these fashion-conscious apps will keep you in the know, sharpen your shopping skills, and encourage your inner-designer. Here are 10 of our favorites:

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How to improve your wireless network

By now, most tech-savvy households have installed some kind of wireless network. Whether you use it to download e-books to your Kindle, stream movies to your iPad, or just occasionally log on from the bedroom, a wireless network brings efficiency, convenience, and flexibility.

But it can also lead to frustration. While you may get a perfectly good signal in the bedroom, you’re lucky if you get any signal at all in the kitchen. And forget about the idea of working outside in the summer. The promise of high-speed Internet access gives way to dropped connections, constant buffering, and agonizingly slow Web browsing.

But there are some simple steps you can take to improve the range and performance of your wireless network – and they don’t involve buying expensive equipment or re-wiring your home. Try some of these tips and see if you notice an improvement.

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T-Mobile’s no-contract plan attempts to shake up the wireless market

There are two ways to look at yesterday’s announcement by T-Mobile that they are scrapping the two-year phone contract and replacing it with what the company calls its Simple Choice Plan. Some could argue that it’s a long-overdue move, designed to shake up the U.S. wireless industry and make devices more affordable. However, others could claim that it’s a desperate move by the smallest of the four major carriers; a move that could lead to a further decline in market share, as consumers take advantage of their no-contract status to switch to glitzier phones and faster networks.

Whichever way you view T-Mobile’s announcement, it’s unlikely to have the impact of Verizon’s groundbreaking Share Everything plan, which was introduced last June and which was quickly matched by AT&T with a share plan of its own. No-contract plans are already offered by Boost Mobile and MetroPCS (and by the major carriers through their pre-paid plans), and anyone who wanted to escape the limitations of two-year deal has had ample opportunity to do so.

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